15 guides
Car cost guides
Plain-English guides to buying, financing and running a car. We aren't a dealer, lender or insurer, and we don't earn commissions.
Buying
What you can afford, the full cost, fees and inspections.
- How much car can you afford?
Start from the monthly total, not the price.
- The total cost of owning a car
Depreciation, interest, insurance, fuel and repairs.
- Dealer fees, explained
Know which are required and which aren't.
- Test drives and inspections
For a used car, an independent mechanic is worth it.
Auto loans
Preapproval, loan length, add-ons and the contract.
- Get preapproved before you shop
Know your rate before the dealer offers one.
- Loan length matters
Longer loans mean lower payments and more interest.
- Add-ons at the dealer
GAP, service contracts and protection packages.
- Read the contract before you sign
Every number, every line.
Running costs
Insurance, maintenance, fuel, tires and brakes.
- Shop your car insurance
Compare every year or two.
- Follow the maintenance schedule
Small costs now prevent big ones later.
- Spend less on fuel
Habits that stretch every gallon.
- Tires and brakes
Safety items worth budgeting for.
Spend less
Keep it longer, recalls and selling.
- Keep your car longer
The cheapest car is often the one you own.
- Check for recalls
Recall repairs are free.
- Selling or trading in
Know your car's value first.